Impact of U.S. Humanitarian Aid Freeze on Sudan’s Hunger Crisis

The U.S. freeze on humanitarian assistance has led to the closure of 80% of food kitchens in Sudan, threatening nearly two million people with starvation. Support from USAID has diminished significantly, resulting in increased reliance on private donations amidst ongoing conflict. The repercussions extend beyond Sudan, straining resources in neighboring countries. Immediate restoration of aid is crucial to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis.

The recent suspension of U.S. humanitarian assistance has shuttered nearly 80% of emergency food kitchens supporting people affected by Sudan’s civil war. This change, stemming from an executive order by former President Donald Trump, has left approximately two million individuals vulnerable to starvation. Aid organizations report that over 1,100 communal kitchens have ceased operations due to this funding crisis.

This humanitarian crisis has intensified since the onset of the conflict between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, which has resulted in significant loss of life and mass displacements. Local grassroots groups, known as emergency response rooms, were instrumental in providing aid directly to communities, as stated by Duaa Tariq, an organizer: “People are knocking on the volunteers’ doors. People are screaming from hunger in the streets.”

The U.S. aid freeze aims to re-evaluate contributions to ensure alignment with national interests, although the State Department has issued exemptions for emergency food assistance. However, local groups face a climate of uncertainty regarding funding processes, especially since USAID has been a significant provider of cash assistance for the kitchens, contributing to an estimated 70-80% of their funding.

Former USAID official Andrea Tracy described the situation as a “huge setback,” as many organizations now depend on private donations to sustain emergency feeding efforts. The Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition, founded by Ms. Tracy, is working to bridge the funding gap left by USAID, although private donations may not suffice given the escalating humanitarian needs.

Reports indicate that communities have been increasingly reliant on local and diaspora contributions; however, this support diminished once international organizations, including USAID, started to cooperate in providing assistance. The previous funding model had helped establish direct routes for aid distribution, which was seen as a progressive approach toward humanitarian assistance.

As conditions worsen, local kitchens are struggling to maintain operations, with many having to close due to a lack of resources, as described by Ms. Tariq. She noted that attempts to procure food on credit from local producers would soon result in starvation among the population. The ongoing conflict has created an environment of looting, complicating access to essential supplies.

The U.S. is noted to have been the foremost donor to Sudan prior to the aid freeze, impacting not only the affected population but also the stability of neighboring countries as millions flee the violence. UN officials warn that the humanitarian implications could extend far beyond Sudanese borders amid deteriorating living conditions within refugee camps.

Even as the U.S. reassesses its aid strategies, agencies like the World Food Programme and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report severe strain on resources. With a significant influx of refugees overwhelming stability in regions such as South Sudan and Chad, the potential for increased humanitarian crises looms unless immediate international support is restored.

In conclusion, the freeze of U.S. humanitarian aid to Sudan has precipitated a severe crisis, with almost 80% of emergency food kitchens closing, leaving millions on the brink of starvation. Grassroots organizations face immense challenges amid funding uncertainties, and ongoing conflicts exacerbate the humanitarian situation further. The repercussions of the U.S. policy shift are not only affecting Sudan but could increase the burden on neighboring countries already grappling with significant refugee inflows. Immediate actions and restored support are critical to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk